Trails Strategy

HikeWest (previously as ‘Bushwalking WA’) was represented on the Stakeholders Reference Group for the development of a Statewide Bushwalking / Hiking (including Trail Running) Strategy in 2018-2019. The strategy, to cover the decade to 2030, includes important implications for the way in which bushwalking itself could be governed in the future. HikeWest contributed a Discussion Paper in 2018, participated in several meetings and forums, and reviewed an early draft of the strategy. A new draft was then released by the strategy consultant and a DLGSC-led Project Management Group for a public comment period. HikeWest submitted comments in September 2019 on the draft taking account of the input of member clubs obtained via a HikeWest online feedback survey. The finalised Strategy was launched on 24 June 2020.  An implementation plan has since been developed to deliver meaningful outcomes across the 10-year strategy timeframe. 

The following are some of the key issues for bushwalking that HikeWest hopes to see addressed as an outcome or extension of the Strategy and its recommendations:

Strategic planning

A need for Government strategic planning to recognise the importance of access to expanded bushwalking
opportunities in the forests of the northern Darling Range for the 80% of WA’s population living in the Perth metropolitan area.

The need for more circuit trails of day walk length within easy reach of Perth

Recognition of survey results that a majority (70%) of recreational bushwalkers prefer walks reasonably close to home. Eagle’s View Walk Trail in John Forrest NP is the only developed circuit walk of at least 15km length within the Perth metropolitan area.  

A diversity of bushwalking opportunities for different users

With the exception of the Bibbulmun Track through-walk and the popular Eagles View Trail, most of the existing designated walk trails in the parks and state forests of the Darling Range near Perth are short walks at the least challenging end of the spectrum.

Fit-for-purpose walk trails

Not all bushwalking trails require intensive development and high maintenance to remain sustainable. Intrusive ‘over-development’ of the more primitive trails may destroy the very essence of the experience they previously offered to walkers. Experienced local and visiting walkers, tend to seek out longer walks, risk and adventure as a life experience while others also seek solitude and a wilderness experience.

The need for a sense of urgency to achieve expanded bushwalking opportunities in WA

– especially in light of the huge predicted “health and social costs over the next 10 years if people don’t get moving” (ref. Sport Australia, Aug. 2018). West Australians need opportunities and environments that encourage them to walk more.

Additional information

Various HikeWest and other papers/submissions on trails strategies and related subjects include:

• Submission on DLGSCI-Sport & Recreation ‘Common Ground’ (strategic funding review) Discussion Paper, Nov. 2018.
• “Sustainability of traditional bushwalking – Strategic implications for bushwalking in the Perth region – a bushwalker’s perspective” – Dave Osborne (WalkGPS), from July 2017 presentation (pdf; opens in Google Drive, including speaker notes).
• Trails Strategy Discussion Paper re WA Bushwalking (& Trail Running) Trails Strategy development, April 2018.
• Comments on Draft Collie River Valley Trails Strategy 2018-2021, June 2018.
• “WA Hiking Strategy  – Bushwalking and trail running in Western Australia 2020-2030”– DLGSCI.
• Western Australian Trails Strategy Development submission, 2008. 

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